Turkish Military Transport Plane Crashes in Georgia: All 20 Aboard Presumed Lost
A Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft crashed in Georgia on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, resulting in the presumed loss of all 20 personnel on board. The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed the incident, initiating recovery efforts in coordination with Georgian authorities. This tragic event marks a significant loss for the Turkish military and raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to initial reports from the Georgian Interior Ministry, the aircraft was en route from Azerbaijan to Türkiye when it went down near Sighnaghi Municipality, approximately five kilometers from the Azerbaijani-Georgian border. Video footage circulating online depicts the plane spiraling downwards before impact, suggesting a potential catastrophic failure. FL360aero provided early reporting and visual confirmation of the crash site.
Flight Path and Timeline of the C-130 Crash
The ill-fated C-130, registration number 68-01609, had arrived in Azerbaijan earlier on Tuesday from Trabzon, a city located on the Black Sea coast of Türkiye. News channel NTV reported that the aircraft departed from Ganja, Azerbaijan, at 1:20 p.m. local time. Tragically, the plane disappeared from radar just 27 minutes later, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation that quickly transitioned into a recovery mission. The C-130 Hercules is a versatile, four-engine turboprop aircraft widely used for military transport, capable of carrying personnel and cargo over long distances.
The exact cause of the crash remains unknown at this time. Investigators will likely focus on several potential factors, including mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, and human error. The rugged terrain of the crash site is expected to complicate recovery efforts and the subsequent investigation. Air Force Technology provides detailed specifications and operational history of the C-130 Hercules aircraft.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed his condolences and confirmed that his Georgian counterpart, Gela Geladze, had arrived at the crash site to assist with the ongoing response. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also addressed the nation, stating that an operation to recover the wreckage was underway, emphasizing close collaboration with Georgian officials. What impact will this incident have on future military transport operations in the region?
The loss of this aircraft and its crew underscores the inherent risks associated with military aviation. The C-130 has a generally strong safety record, but accidents do occur, often due to a combination of factors. The investigation will be crucial in determining the specific circumstances that led to this tragedy and preventing similar incidents in the future. Could improved maintenance protocols or enhanced pilot training mitigate the risk of future crashes?
The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from across the region. Türkiye and Georgia share a close strategic partnership, and this tragedy is likely to further strengthen their cooperation in areas such as defense and security. NATO provides information on international cooperation in aviation safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Turkish C-130 Crash
This is a developing story. Archyworldys will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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